Been here 16 years after lake sailing in the midwest. Voted one of the 10 best areas to sail. We live on a canal and have the boat steps from our door. Living in Punta Gorda Isles allows us to sail year round without too much worry with tides. Friends (some, not all) who live in Port Charlotte have more problems with the tides. The water here is brackish and tannin colored but the blue green of the gulf is but an hour or two away. You need to consider a shallow draft boat say no more than about 5 feet. You will run aground soomer or later so unlimted towing is a must but at least the bottom is mostly muck. No harm no foul. You are about an overnight sail from Key West. Summer is hot, say 95 max, with afternoon thunder storms that can be severe but short lived. Winter of course is mild. One or two days in the 40's or high 30's for a few hours but then warm again. The cooler weather seems to stop at Sarasota when it sweeps south. Housing is expensive depending on how close you are to the water.
The City of Punta Gorda experienced a renaissance after total devastation from hurricane Charley and has become a hidden jewel on the west coast. The population is older but friendly, affluent, and mostly here for the water sports. We have many boating clubs, several yacht clubs and do it yourself boat yards as well as pay to get it done yards. Several West Marines and independent chandleries to shop at.
You should also know our population more than doubles in season with snowbirds. Traffic can be a mess but nothing like a big city, just crowded. The word is out on this bit of paradise.
